Views from Maryland...Home for now, but sometimes out and about, trying to see more of the world whenever possible. The world is my home. And family and friends my world.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

This is Crucial - Don't Mess This Up

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP SHEET

Photography is one of the most important parts of listing a house, and in most cases it will be the determining factor as to whether or not a buyer will decide to visit the home in person. Most people begin their home-shopping online on the internet. So it is critical to make the proper preparations before the photo shoot. When it comes to photography, less is more. While it may seem a bit silly, the best mantra to repeat as you’re making preparations is “pretend nobody in particular lives here.” Project a lifestyle that your homebuyer will be attracted to…clean, happy, organized, pleasant, spacious and neutral.
The best advice is to gather some large boxes or plastic containers and go to each room and de-clutter. Put non-essential items in separate boxes and keep out of sight as long as your house in on the market. Boxes with essential items can be set just outside of the room where I will slide them out of the way during the photography session.

Exteriors:

Move cars out of sight
Close garage doors
Remove trash cans, gardening tools, etc. from sight
Stow children’s and pet’s toys out of sight
Coil hoses
Open patio umbrellas and set out cushions
Uncover bbqs, pools, spas
Make sure your garden is shown in the best possible light - flowers, lawn mowed, etc.

Interiors:

Replace all burned out bulbs (we will take pictures with every light on)
Turn ceiling fans off
Clean well and de-clutter every room
Beds made, lovely quilts, serene room atmospheres
Valuables and medications out of sight or locked up
Open window coverings (unless they are concealing a less than desirable view)
Remove most, if not all, personal photographs
Clear kitchen countertops of almost everything, with the exception of one or two decorative items
Conceal garbage containers
Remove everything from the top and sides of fridge (pictures, kids’ art, magnets, etc.)
Remove non-essential throw rugs (foyer, baths, kitchen, hallways)
Clear the bathroom countertops of ALL toiletries. Leave only a few decorative items or a floral or plant arrangement. Put out best towels. Make sure everything is super clean.
Empty the shower of shampoos, etc.
Remove all signs of pets (bowls, rugs, pillows, etc.)
Remove any table coverings
De-clutter fireplace mantel

General Requests

Please note that it is extremely important that the home be in “photograph-ready” condition prior to our arrival. The sessions usually take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours and we sometimes have multiple shoots on a day so we need to stay as close to schedule as possible. In the event a home is not ready for photographs, we will either shoot “as is” or return at a later date and time, losing valuable internet timing and interest in your home. Also, a shoot on a sunny day is preferable. From these photos we will be making your home brochures, as well as posting your home on 10-20 internet sites. So you want to put your best face on for this extremely important aspect of marketing your home for sale. : )